“I met him a few times in Minnesota. Good man. He was a great ambassador for the game of baseball, obviously the Twins organization. (You) think about growing up when you’re younger, and people that stand out that played maybe prior to you were born, but more recent, he really stands out along with a few others. It’s sad to see him pass.”

Killebrew was a native of Payette, Id., and played nine career games in the Northwest, all against the Seattle Pilots during the 1969 season, the year he won the American League MVP award.

He hit 49 home runs with 140 RBI that year. Both marks still stand as franchise records. Killebrew’s 48th homer that season came against Seattle in Sicks’ Stadium on Sept. 26.